“A comprehensive approach based on the ‘smart reserve’ concept is being implemented in Icherisheher in order to preserve the vitality of the historical urban environment and ensure its sustainable management," Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, Rufat Mahmud, said during the event titled “Digital Transformation in Historic Cities – Smart Heritage, Data-Driven Management and Inclusive Urban Future” held within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), APA reports.
According to him, Icherisheher, which currently has a population of approximately 5,000 people, more than 3,000 of whom live there as permanent residents, functions not only as a tourism destination but also as a living urban environment.
It was noted that in international practice, cases are observed where historical city centers gradually become museumified and lose their function as living urban spaces. However, the main goal in Icherisheher is to prevent this tendency and preserve the area as a living city.
Rufat Mahmud stated that over the past year, the new team has prepared a three-year strategy based on a systematic approach, and the main objective is to ensure the development of Icherisheher as a living city.
“Living in a historical urban environment creates management and service requirements different from those in an ordinary urban environment. In this regard, ensuring residents’ comfort, managing tourism flows, and maintaining balance within the urban environment are of particular importance,” Rufat Mahmud stressed.
According to him, a new management model is being developed taking into account the pressures created by tourism flows and the impact of visitor density on residents’ daily lives.
